Governance and Planning: From Complexity and Contradictions to Multi-Level and Collaborative Approaches

This chapter presents an overview of the different policies, plans, and programs affecting the Alta Valtellina mountain region, in order to understand the multi-level regulatory and governance system in its complexity and inquire about the potential role of the 2026 Winter Olympics for the future of the valley. The Olympics pose a challenge for the Alta Valtellina area at various scales, potentially triggering new phenomena or reinforcing existing processes. The chapter argues that the Olympic event is an exogenous factor affecting the territorial governance system and policy framework in the analyzed region. The analysis highlights the tendency of these dynamics to reinforce existing territorial disparities and fragmentation in the area, particularly in favor of the strongest areas, especially through the use of exceptional planning logics. Overall, this chapter ultimately aims to produce insights which may prove useful for policymakers and local administrators organizing and hosting the 2026 Winter Games, not only in the prospect of the mega-event, but also that of the post-event.